Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip

Trying to piece together the perfect summer escape in Mallorca often involves balancing scenic beauty, good food, and relaxing activities. The Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip offers a chance to tick all those boxes in just five hours. While this tour promises a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and a tasty Mediterranean meal, it’s worth exploring what really makes it stand out—and where it might fall short.

On paper, this experience looks like a fantastic way to enjoy Mallorca’s coast from the water, with highlights like stunning views, calm waters at Cala Blava, and a buffet lunch packed with Mallorcan flavors. We love that the trip offers multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling, appealing to both adventure seekers and beach lovers. The luxurious catamaran adds a touch of comfort, making it a smooth ride for most travelers.

However, a few considerations are worth keeping in mind. Several reviews mention crowded conditions and a shorter-than-expected trip, which could impact your overall enjoyment—particularly if you’re expecting a more intimate or longer adventure. This tour seems best suited for those who prioritize scenic sailing combined with good food over detailed snorkeling or exclusive experiences.

This experience appears ideal for families, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a relaxed day on the water with plenty of picturesque moments and tasty food. For travelers craving genuine underwater exploration or a quieter atmosphere, it might be worth considering alternative options.

Key Points

• Stunning coastal views and natural landmarks make for excellent photo opportunities.
• The buffet lunch, featuring Mallorcan tapas and snacks, is well-received and offers good value.
• Swim and snorkel stops at Cala Blava and Cala Vella highlight Mallorca’s natural beauty.
• Crowded boat conditions might impact comfort, especially during peak times.
• The tour’s duration of 5 hours is relatively short but packed with scenic highlights.
• Several reviews mention the absence of free snorkeling equipment, so plan to bring your own or buy on board.

This five-hour journey is designed to give travelers a taste of Mallorca’s coastline, with highlights including beautiful scenery, relaxing sailings, and enjoyable swim stops. The tour starts at the Port of Palma, where you’ll board a modern, well-equipped catamaran, helmed by a local captain and crew. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll notice the focus on comfort and safety—though crowd sizes can be noticeable, with reviews indicating the boat can get quite full.

The itinerary begins with a 15-minute introduction at the port, giving you a chance to settle in and meet your crew. Past travelers have appreciated the knowledgeable guides, who often share insights about the coastline and natural landmarks. The first significant stretch takes you through the Bay of Palma, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Palma Cathedral, beaches, and charming coves. This segment lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the scenery.

Next, as the boat passes the Cap Rocat, you’ll see impressive cliffs and rugged landscapes that showcase Mallorca’s wild, untamed beauty. This quieter, undisturbed area is often highlighted as a highlight—reviewers describe it as a “serene escape into nature,” far from the crowds.

The most anticipated part of the trip is the long stop at Cala Vella, where the water’s clarity and calmness make it irresistible for swimming and snorkeling. Travelers can choose to jump off the boat, swim to the sandy beach, or explore natural pools created by old quarries—an exciting touch for water lovers. As one reviewer put it, “this spot offers a perfect blend of relaxing beach time and lively water activities.”

The final stop at Cala Blava is where the tour truly shines for food lovers. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Mallorcan specialties like beef meatballs with Thai sauce, chicken and mango salad, and roasted black pork with mushroom sauce. For many, this meal is a standout, with reviewers noting the variety and quality of the food. One even mentioned that the lunch was more substantial than expected, making the tour excellent value for money.

After the meal, the boat heads back to Palma, with a relaxed cruise that allows you to enjoy the sun, breeze, and scenic views one last time. The entire experience is designed to be leisurely, with plenty of time to relax or take photos.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stop

Stop 1: Attraction Catamarans Mallorca

Your journey kicks off at the Muelle Golondrina in Palma, where immediate impressions include a clean, modern vessel and friendly crew. This initial 15-minute boarding process is straightforward, with some reviewers noting the boat can be quite full, especially during peak times. The staff’s local knowledge and safety focus help set a welcoming tone.

Stop 2: Nord de Palma District

The first significant sailing segment takes you through the Bay of Palma. Expect panoramic views of Palma’s skyline, including the Gothic Cathedral, which is often highlighted as a breathtaking sight from the water. The cruise here is relaxed, making it ideal for photos or just taking in the scenery. Reviewers mention that this part is a calm, peaceful cruise, perfect for those wanting a break from busy city streets.

Stop 3: Cap Rocat

Sailing past Cap Rocat, travelers get a glimpse of Mallorca’s rugged, untouched coastline. The dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters are often praised, with some describing it as a “serene and pristine” natural area. This part of the trip is appreciated for its tranquility and unspoiled scenery—an authentic touch away from commercial resorts.

Stop 4: Cala Vella

This is the main highlight for water enthusiasts. The long stop at Cala Vella is treasured by many reviewers, who describe it as a picture-perfect beach with calm, inviting waters. The natural pools created by old quarries add a unique element, perfect for exploring or cooling off. Snorkeling here is popular, though some mention that snorkel equipment is not included and costs extra, so bring your own or be prepared to buy on board. Reviewers highlight the vibrant marine life and the chance to relax on a sandy beach.

Stop 5: Cala Blava

Lunchtime at Cala Blava is a feast of Mallorcan flavors, with a buffet featuring local tapas, seafood, vegetables, and fresh fruit. The quality of the food is often praised, with some saying it exceeded expectations. After eating, travelers can swim or float in the calm waters, enjoying the idyllic scenery.

Final Return to Palma

The return cruise offers a last chance to relax as you head back to the port. The last stretch is typically a leisurely sail, allowing passengers to soak in the views and reflect on the day.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler noted that “you are not given a life jacket, and the water was choppy”, cautioning less confident swimmers to bring their own. Another mentioned that the overall experience was “more a scenic cruise with food than a snorkeling adventure”, emphasizing that snorkel equipment costs extra and is not included.

Several reviews comment on crowded conditions, with some saying the boat was “very full,” which can impact comfort, especially during swimming and lunch. The food consistently receives praise—“more than enough and quite tasty,” according to one reviewer—making the meal a highlight for many.

Notably, some guests felt the trip duration was shorter than advertised or that it was more of a leisurely sightseeing cruise rather than a full-on snorkeling adventure. Yet, others appreciated the good value for money—especially considering the lunch, scenic views, and swimming stops included.

Practical Tips for Future Travelers

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to explore underwater; equipment costs extra on board.
• Consider bringing a life jacket if you’re not confident in your swimming abilities, as none are provided.
• Arrive early to avoid the crowds, as the boat can get quite full during busy times.
• Apply high-factor sunscreen—the open water sun can be intense.
• The trip can be affected by weather, so check the forecast and be prepared for possible changes or cancellations.
• The duration is about 5 hours, so plan for a relaxed, scenic experience rather than a full-day adventure.
• Drinks on board are not included, so budget accordingly if you want beverages beyond lunch.
• Booking in advance is recommended; last month, over 10 bookings were made per day, indicating popularity.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If your idea of a perfect day involves sailing along Mallorca’s coast, enjoying good food, and taking refreshing dips, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s particularly suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic experience with a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and tasty local cuisine. Families, first-time visitors, or groups looking for a fun, casual outing will appreciate the overall vibe.

However, if you’re seeking serious snorkeling or a more intimate boat experience, this might not meet your expectations. The crowds and extra costs for snorkeling gear could be drawbacks if you imagine a quieter, more exclusive adventure.

This tour offers great value for the price, especially considering the buffet lunch and scenic stops, but it’s not a dedicated snorkeling excursion. It works best for travelers who prioritize beautiful views and good food over underwater exploration.

Is the snorkel equipment included?
No, snorkel equipment is not included. You can purchase it on board for around €20, or bring your own gear if you prefer.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including stops for swimming and lunch.

Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included. There is a bar on board where you can buy beverages separately.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from the Muelle Golondrina at the Port of Palma and returns there at the end of the trip.

Is the trip suitable for children?
Most travelers of all ages can participate, but children should be supervised, especially around water. Bring life jackets if needed.

What should I bring?
High-factor sunscreen, swimwear, towel, possibly snorkeling gear, and some cash for extra drinks or souvenirs.

Can I cancel if weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start if weather conditions are poor. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Mallorca Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling Trip presents an appealing mix of scenic sailing, swimming in calm waters, and enjoying a delicious local meal—all for a reasonable price. The views of Mallorca’s coast, combined with the relaxed atmosphere and good food, make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a memorable, easy-going day on the water.

While it might not satisfy hardcore snorkelers or those seeking a quiet, exclusive experience, it’s an excellent option for travelers who want to see Mallorca from the sea, indulge in tasty tapas, and take a break from the busy island streets.

For anyone eager to combine sightseeing, swimming, and Mallorcan flavors into one relaxed adventure, this tour offers good value and plenty of picturesque moments—just come prepared for a bit of crowd and extra costs for underwater gear if needed.

Remember: Booking early, arriving prepared, and managing expectations regarding the crowd will help you make the most of this enjoyable Mallorca cruise. Happy sailing!